Invitation to Non-Catholics . . .
Dearly Beloved,
Even as St. Paul did so many times in his ministry, we thank you to God our Father in the Lord Jesus Christ for the gift of his Spirit poured into our hearts and yours. To be aware of the Spirit's abiding presence in us is, at the same time, most ennobling and humbling.
So much rests upon our attitude before God our Father. We are all his children, yearning to search out his slightest desire regarding each of us. This search is a journey embarked upon by the entire St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church community. It is one of supportive prayer and attentive action. It acknowledges our human frailty and dependence upon this good Father who showers us with his choicest gifts.
Our posture must be that of the handmaid of Nazareth, the Father's first daughter in the ways of faith, Mary, the Immaculate One. Her stance before him was one of simple availability. With trust and confidence in HIM, we, like her, are simply available to you as instruments of his love and mercy.
So whether we are considered guides or guides, it makes little difference. Let us be fully aware that the Spirit always directs our attention to the Heart of God. And make no mistake about it. At the heart of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a Person with human and divine nature: Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Brother. In him, God does love us with a human heart.
We pray for you then with all our hearts that you may have a most enriching experience this year, which truly satisfies the deepest longings of your hearts.